Stewardship is a biblical perspective that can be applied to your business. Stewardship simply means managing possessions and property that are not yours. You can say, “My business belongs to me.” According to Psalm 24:1, yourThe earth and everything in it belongs to the LORD. The world and its people belong to him. (VOC). Based on this scripture, his business belongs to God; therefore, you are a butler managing his business. He has blessed you with the talents, time, and treasures you need to properly manage what you are responsible for.
There are five principles of biblical stewardship: persistence, planning, proportionality, kindness, and purpose. Let’s see how we can apply them to his (God’s) business.
persistence:
The scriptures teach us that faithfulness is a necessary quality to possess as a steward. Furthermore, it is required of stewards that a man be found faithful (I Corinthians 4:2 KJV). Being persistent and trustworthy is considered faithful. If you have any doubts, you can not advance your business. You have to believe it to achieve it. You have faith that you can be a successful entrepreneur and small business owner; therefore, you are persistent in making it happen.
Another symbol of your faith is your trustworthiness. His business is not an overnight flight; you’re in this for the long haul. Your customers can trust that you will be there and not skip town. In addition, they can depend on you to be faithful in carrying out their projects and tasks.
Calendar:
God wants everything to be done in peace and order (I Corinthians 14:33 NIV). Planning is evident in any size or type of business. It is highly recommended to have a business plan as entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as a marketing plan. A plan will keep you focused and on track; therefore, your business plans will be carried out in peace and order.
Provided:
If God has been generous to you, he will expect you to serve him well. But if he has been more than generous, he will expect you to serve him even better. (I Corinthians 16:2 NIV). The proportion of talents, time and treasures that God blesses you with will determine what services and/or products you will offer to your target market. Remember, He gives him what he needs to be a good steward. At the same time, you are serving God by providing your customers with excellent service and/or products, which come from your share of the talents, time, and treasures that He has given you.
Liking:
Each of you must make your own decision about how much to give. But don’t feel sorry for having to give and don’t feel obligated to give. God loves people who love to give (II Corinthians 9:7 NIV). Be pleasant in your business dealings, especially with your customers. It is what is known as providing excellent customer service. Don’t force it, give your pleasure freely. Your customers would rather do business with someone nice than someone rude. Do to others what you would like them to do to you (Luke 6:31 NIV). As you complete your projects and tasks, do so with joy. God sent you that client as a way to provide you with treasures.
Useful:
When you eat or drink or do anything else, always do it to honor God. (I Corinthians 10:31 NIV). As steward of God’s business, it is important to honor God by operating it with honesty and integrity. I remember reading “The Jabez Prayer” written by Bruce Wilkinson, where Bruce was having a conversation with some business executives. One of the executives asked Bruce, “Is it right to ask God for more business?” Bruce responded, “Absolutely! If you’re doing your business God’s way, it’s not only right to ask for more, but He’s waiting for you to ask.”
conclusion:
Biblical stewardship deals with the use of your money; however, it is a perspective that encompasses your entire life, including your business. As I have pointed out, the five principles of biblical stewardship can be applied to your business. This should be our business plan as entrepreneurs and small business owners. From time to time, we need to consult our plans to make sure we’re on the right track. God has entrusted his business to you by appointing you steward to manage it. The more God blesses his (His) business, the more He wants you to bless people, the community, and the world at large. This style of stewardship will bring honor and glory to his name. It is also a way to serve God.
